Chapter 16

"It's been a while, Ebizo. You're looking well," Uzumaki Masahiko, the current leader of Uzushiogakure in Uzu no Kuni, warmly greeted.

Gazing at the red-haired Uzumaki Masahiko, who belonged to the same era as Senju Hashirama, Ebizo responded with envy, "You ageless wonder, you're as energetic as ever, despite your formidable strength."

"I've deduced some of your intentions. Are you under the impression that your visit here is in vain?" Uzumaki Masahiko declared, his intimidating presence pressing down on Ebizo and his companions.

Uzushiogakure shinobi instantly moved to guard Ebizo and the others. In response, the Suna Shinobi quickly took their positions, ensuring Ebizo and Bunpuku were safely in the center.

"Enough," Bunpuku interjected, placing his hands together and sighing, dissipating the hostility emanating from Uzumaki Masahiko and the Uzu Shinobi.

"A Jinchuriki of the One-Tails? This is Uzu no Kuni, home of the Uzumaki Clan, and Sealing Jutsu is our specialty. Are you not being too audacious?" Uzumaki Masahiko questioned, his face turning stern. Having lived during the era of Senju Hashirama and personally escorted the elderly Uzumaki who married Uzumaki Mito, he carried a sense of pride.

"Times have changed, Masahiko-sama. Will you host us here? After all, we represent Kaze no Kuni and Suna Shinobi village. We're under the authority of the Third Kazekage," Ebizo put away his smile, stepping forward and looking at Uzumaki Masahiko with a cold expression. He loathed these timeless figures who seemed to forget themselves, looking down on others, while living in a world that revolved around their own families and surnames.

Taking a deep breath, Uzumaki Masahiko suppressed the anger in his heart. No matter how vexing Ebizo's attitude was, he needed to respond with decorum. This was the etiquette of the Uzumaki Clan.

He wanted to show Ebizo that their Uzumaki Clan was descended from the noble and powerful lineage of the Rikudō Sennin, a Great Clan with its own distinct customs, unlike the lowly inhabitants of Sunagakure who ingested sand.

"Tsk tsk," Ebizo made a sound of scorn as he observed the grand Uzumaki Clan Main Affairs Hall. His disdain for the Uzumaki Clan grew with each passing moment. If it hadn't been for the Clan's formidable reputation, he would have turned on his heel and left by now.

Seeing the Suna Shinobi brimming with envy, jealousy, and hatred, Uzumaki Masahiko's pride swelled.

"Masahiko-sama, to be frank, our intentions are straightforward. We, the Suna Shinobi, do not believe that your Uzumaki Clan can withstand the onslaught of the Mist Ninja. Therefore, we are here to negotiate. Our Suna Shinobi forces are currently stationed at the border. You should also be aware of our conflict with Kirigakure," Ebizo stated, without waiting for Uzumaki Masahiko to speak.

His words were like fuel to the fire, igniting the already volatile tempers of the Uzumaki clansmen, who wanted nothing more than to silence him permanently.

"Oh, Ebizo, what must we do to earn the support of your Sunagakure? Is it our Sealing Jutsu, or perhaps the land under our feet, or our Uzumaki Clan's thousand-year-old inheritance?" Uzumaki Masahiko retorted, suppressing his urge to attack Ebizo, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Ha! Masahiko-sama, are you joking? Sealing Jutsu? The One-Tails Shukaku's Sealing Jutsu is an inheritance from Rikudō Sennin, why would Sunagakure need yours? As for your land, it's not worth entering into conflict with Kirigakure for such a small piece. And your thousand-year-old Uzumaki inheritance? Please, we, the Suna Shinobi, have no need for that. It's of no use to us, just like your etiquette," Ebizo responded with a disdainful laugh. His harsh words were like a slap in the face for the Uzumaki clansmen present, inflaming their anger even more.

Except for Bunpuku, all the Suna Shinōbi present were looking at Ebizo. They desperately wished to tell him to curb his words, wary of the volatile tempers on the other side. If their hosts lost their cool, they would be in deep trouble.

"No matter what you want, we won't give it. But we do have allies in Konoha. Princess Mito will also protect us. I refuse to believe that Konoha and Lady Mito would abandon us," an Uzushiogakure Elder declared, stubbornly opposing Ebizo.

"Imbecile," was all Ebizo had to say in response to the Elder.

To hell with Konoha. Between conflicts with Kumogakure and Iwagakure villages, and the looming threat of Ame no Kuni's Hanzo, they would hardly dare to divert their forces to save Uzushiogakure.

Stop dreaming. If Uzu no Kuni and Uzumaki Clan pledged allegiance to Konoha, or publicized to the Shinōbi World that they had Uzumaki Mito's guarantee of protection, and then offered Ninjutsu knowledge or treasures to Hi no Kuni Daimyo, then maybe Konoha and Hi no Kuni would consider a rescue.

After all, during a war, who wouldn't want a supplement pill as perfect as the Uzumaki Clan?

"Oh, in that case, Masahiko-sama, I must say you seem to have some brains. Perhaps you could talk to Konoha and gauge their stance. I'm aware that not too long ago, you sent another little princess to them," Ebizo said, his gaze full of implications locked on Uzumaki Masahiko.

Even though Masahiko belonged to the older generation and was typically reserved, the fact that he hadn't lost his cool after Ebizo's continuous mocking suggested he had a plan.

Taking a deep breath, Uzumaki Masahiko suppressed the horrific speculations bubbling up in his mind. His expression fluctuated for a moment before he finally spoke, "Akisawa, please escort our guests to rest. Ensure they're given the highest level guest rooms and treat them with utmost respect. Do not neglect our guests."

"Yes, Lord."

A vigorous red-haired young man responded.

"Esteemed guests, please come with me. I'll guide you to your quarters."

"Masahiko-sama, do take some time to consider our proposal seriously," Ebizo solemnly advised before departing, acting as if he were Uzumaki Clan's most loyal minister, ready to climb a mountain of swords or plunge into a sea of fire for them.

...

After Uzumaki Akisawa escorted Ebizo and his companions away, the Uzumaki Elders present all seemed at a loss for words. The sorrow on their faces was palpable, to the point of potentially influencing the moods and desires of others.

"Lord, what should we do? Kirigakure's offense has been confirmed. We have yet to receive any news from the two Princesses in Konoha," one Elder expressed with a bitter tone.

Despite their conservative nature, they were no fools. They had seen more devious plots and schemes than the younger generation could even fathom.

"Wait, we wait for news. Kirigakure's fleet will take about seven days to arrive, and the sea isn't as benign as it seems. If there's no news from Konoha, we'll have to rely on ourselves," Masahiko finally replied.

"Also, gather all the children within the clan and assign the younger members to protect them. This is our Clan Land, the place we call home," Uzumaki Masahiko added.

At this point, he no longer harbored resentment towards Ebizo. Overcoming a problem often requires going beyond the issue at hand, and severe illnesses require strong medicine. Ebizo's harsh words served as a wake-up call for Uzumaki Masahiko.

Decades had passed without war, and their Uzushiogakure wasn't as robust as it used to be. Their fighting strength had significantly diminished.